We have about a 5 hour layover in Maui before our flight back to the mainland. Ideas? I just think I'll go crazy sitting in the airport that long. We are coming in from Molokai at 8:30 AM and dont leave Maui until 2:20. Rental cars seem expensive for only a few hours. We have been to Maui several times, so we are familiar with the area. Thankyou!

Take a taxi someplace. Lahaina,, or the nearest beach, whatever, and make sure the driver comes back to get you on time!

Lahaina's an awful long way from the airport. It would eat up too much time I think.

Remember of that layover you'll lose some time in landing, de-planing, etc. then you'll need to check in for your next flight in advance. So a "5 hour layover" is really more like 3 hours to kill at most.

It might be fun to rent a car (depending on the price of course - and assuyming it's a fairly clear day) and drive upcountry for a nice lunch/overlooking the great view - or to the Tedeschi winery or the Surfing goat cheese farm, or the Ali'i Lavender farm by Kula. Pretty straight shot from the airport - first heading up 37 - less than 30 minutes to Kula? - and a bit more to Tedeschi: http://tinyurl.com/bptnd7n

http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/us/hi/maui

see: http://www.aliikulalavender.com/t-about.aspx and

http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauisig...untry_maui.htm

taking a taxi is not an affordable option and going to Lahaina makes no sense at all.

I would suggest renting a car and going to Paia and the area, checking out the windsurfers and kite surfers, or stroll the shops of Makawao.

Tomsd actually gives a couple of interesting ideas, that are worth looking into, although I would be cautious traveling too far upcountry and choose just one destination that far away.

Consider the cost of the rental for 4 hours and the lifetime memory it will likely pay off. It really comes down to a few cups of coffee or a couple of club sandwiches over the year.

OK- So I did find a rental car for only $40.00! We'll grab something to eat and head over to Hookipa and watch the waves and windsurfers. Better than waiting in the airport all morning Thanks to all.

Stop in Paia at Flatbreads. They have the best and freshest pizza I've ever had. The kids will love it and so will you.

Make sure you get back to the airport in plenty of time as the lines are long and it takes a while to get checked in. Don't leave yourself short on time or you could miss your flight. We've seen this happen before.

Paia is a great idea and a quick drive from the airport. The Flatbread Co does have delicious pizza or there are many other great dining options in town. You could even get a bunch of prepared foods at the funky Mana Foods grocery store and drive just past the town to picnic on "Baby Beach". Lots of fun shops in Paia too.

Your baggage is checked through to home?

Paia is a good idea. You could also 'do' Iao Valley in Wailuku, or browse around the Queen Kaahumanu mall.

I would splurge and spend the afternoon having a long and wonderful lunch at Mama's Fish House in Paia.